You Don’t Need More Time, You Need Space

You Don’t Need More Time, You Need Space

You’ve been there. Staring at the clock, scrambling to find just a few more minutes to solve a problem. “If only I had more time,” you say to yourselves. But here’s the hard truth: time isn’t the issue—space is.

When you focus on solving problems with time, you’re putting pressure on the brain to perform. Pressure reduces clarity and narrows focus. Like a tightrope walker balancing above a crowd, your mind wobbles, desperately trying not to fall off.

The Space to Think

Creating “space” frees mental room to think creatively and flexibly. It’s not measured in minutes but in mindset and distance. The best ideas don’t strike when staring at a screen with the clock ticking. They show up when you’re away—on a walk, showering, or letting your mind wander while staring out the window.

Why? Because space allows your mind to make connections it can’t make when forced into a corner. Your brain needs permission to roam freely.

Three Ways to Create Space for Solutions

  1. Step Away from the Problem—Force yourself to leave the task physically. Take a short walk or brew a cup of coffee. Physical distance creates mental clarity.
  2. Ask Better Questions - Instead of “How do I fix this?” try, “What’s one small step I could take next?” Asking smaller, less daunting questions creates room for answers to emerge.
  3. Schedule Thinking Space—Treat “thinking time” as sacred. Block it in your calendar like a meeting. This isn’t wasted time; it’s when breakthroughs happen.

Stop waiting for more time to appear. It never does. Focus on creating space—mentally, emotionally, and physically—for ideas to breathe.

Give your mind the space it needs, and solutions will follow.

Milena Lima Faneco

Head de Comunica??o Corporativa | Crises | Comunica??o Interna | Comunica??o Externa | Engajamento | Endomarketing | PR | Cultura | Eventos | Branding | Responsabilidade Social | ESG | Mídias Sociais

1 天前

Congratulations and thank you for the article! Sometimes, we get so focused on finding time to solve problems that we forget the solution lies in giving our minds the space to breathe. When we create that space, creativity and solutions come naturally.

Paul Crerand

Coach & Mentor | Industry Advisor | Company Director | Board Trustee | Public Speaker | Interim Executive

3 天前

I was always telling folks they need to create time and space, and breathe. Those are the same things I would do; 1. Go for a walk to clear my head, and/or sit and have a coffee. In either case the objective is to clear your head, not worry about the issue at hand. 2. Ask myself 'what can I do to get started?' there is an English expression; 'getting started is half the battle' and a modern variation; 'getting started is half done'. 3. Put blocks in my calendar. I would create the calendar entry such that I knew what it was without it necessarily being obvious. That was to prevent others thinking I was 'available'.

Andreia Soares, MBA

Especialista de Produtos | Assessoria Científica | Pós Vendas | Vendas | Labtest

3 天前

Great suggestion! I really believe this works. My best solutions were created in moments of criative leisure! Thank's.

Mary Jane Dessables

Nonprofit Consultant helping good organizations be great | Experienced Social Worker, Manager, Trainer, Data Professional and Policy Advocate providing expert assistance to agencies | I get you, and I've got you!

3 天前

I've had this work for me in real life... and yet doing this while in the moment eludes me. Thank you for the reminder that making myself take these steps will pay off in the long run!

Lorice Scalise

Presidente da Roche Farma Brasil | Membro do Comitê de Diversidade, Equidade e Inclus?o Global da Roche | Entusiasta da Ciência e Inova??o

4 天前

I loved!! It makes totally sense! Thanks querido!! ??

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